London, Thanassis Gavos
A series of new measures to prevent the transmission of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in Britain was announced by Boris Johnson at an emergency press conference on Saturday afternoon.
The British Prime Minister said that all travelers from abroad to England should undergo a molecular PCR diagnostic test by the end of the second day, but also put themselves in isolation until a negative diagnosis occurs.
Also, all contacts of Omicron variants should be kept in home isolation for ten days, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
Mr Johnson also announced the resumption of compulsory mask use in shops and on public transport, but not in restaurants.
As he said, the measures are temporary and will be reviewed in three weeks.
In addition, he announced that the Joint Vaccination and Immunization Committee has been asked to consider administering the booster dose to more age groups. So far the third dose is given to those aged 40 and over and the most vulnerable. The reduction of the time to be mediated between the second and third installment, which is currently six months, is also being considered.
Mr Johnson, as well as England chief physician Professor Chris Whitey, said the analysis of the new variant was ongoing, but appeared to be more contagious and at least to some extent reduced the effectiveness of vaccines.
However, Professor Whitney estimated that vaccines could prevent, if not the infection, then the serious disease from the Omicron variant.
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